• ensemble of Imperial First Field Artillery Regiment of Franz Joseph: participating ensemble, orch

The Czech-language newspaper Národní listy 2/10/1863 published advance information of this event, reporting: ‘Beseda. 25th October will be taking place on Žofín the next declamatory and singing beseda of Prague Typographers, the clear profit from which will be dedicated to the general fund for ill typographers.’ On 22/10/1863 the newspaper published further news, noting: ‘Beseda. Society of Prague Typographers arranges next Sunday, 25th October, second declamatory, song and dance beseda in Žofín Hall. Commencing at 5pm.’ A brief review, unsigned, then appeared in Národní listy 26/10/1863 ‘Beseda of Prague Typographers. Yesterday took place the Beseda of the Prague Typographers on Žofín Island. The attendance was very numerous. The Beseda was a very splendid success, particularly interesting were the songs and declamations. The beautiful Ball was very splendidly patronised.

A more detailed description of the event was published by Prager Morgenpost 26/10/1863. The unsigned correspondent reported: ‘The Beseda [‘Beseda’ was printed in a latin typeface rather than in the fraktur of the rest of the text - thus highlighting the newspaper’s recognition of the word as specifically Czech] of the Typographers of Prague taking place last night enjoyed a very numerous attendance; the Žofín Island Hall was crowded in all its rooms; one marvelled at the abundant youthful circle of ladies. The gentlemen Typographers exibited good and proper taste [Geschmack - possibly manners?] with respect to the fairer sex so beautifully and sweetly gathered in the Hall. The entertainment was, it speaks for itself, very animated, the programme was very rich and the performance of the pieces left nothing to be desired. The musical ensemble of the 1. Franz-Josef Artillery Regiment performed in an alacritous manner. The entertainment arranged by the Typographers on 25th October could be ascribed as ranking of the first class.’